The hotel was the only one from Fairfield County accompanying the bureau. Their goal -- to spread the word that Connecticut has a lot to offer organizations in terms of convention opportunities and accommodations.

"Trade shows are the new way to develop relationships. For meeting planners, it's a one-stop shop. It's a great way to see all venues in one place," said Kulkin, noting that the Hilton has 45,000 square feet of meeting space. "It's a great way to attract association business."

The connection with the bureau, which began operations in November 2012, already is showing results for Kulkin, who credited the bureau for connecting her with Karen Pryor Clicker Training, a dog training business that is holding its ClickerExpo on March 8-10 at the hotel.

More than 425 people will attend, and a total of 500 rooms have been reserved over the three days. At least a third of attendees will bring their dogs.

"The challenge was finding a hotel that can accommodate dogs. The hotel situation was great," said Matt Moderski, marketing manager for Karen Prior Clicker Training. "We're close to New York City, and there's a large animal training population in the Northeast."

"We're covering our tennis courts, and they will use it as a doggy playground. This event is a huge win for us and Connecticut," said Kulkis, who promoted the hotel at the Springtime Expo last May in Washington, D.C., and Teams 2012, a sports trade show in Detroit in October of 2012.

She also is looking forward to hosting Shipping 2013 from March 18 through 20. Organized by the Connecticut Maritime Association, it is expected to draw 2,500 participants in the global maritime shipping industry.

An expansion of the Hartford Convention and Sports Bureau, the statewide version is a quasi-governmental organization receiving funds from private sources and the state. "One of our tasks is to bring sporting events to Connecticut. We're already working with Chelsea Piers in Stamford (the sports complex on Blachley Road)," said Van Parys, a Norwalk resident. "We focus on needs periods for hotels. Hotels need help on weekends and holidays. When we develop a lead, we distribute it to the different properties. For every dollar the state invests in us, we're producing $4.50 in return."

He estimated that the bureau has produced $2 million in tax revenue for the state.